Stealing His Heart

Nox Bay Pack #1

by Connor Crowe

Can the pack he's been sent to rob become his new home, and the alpha he's crossed own his heart?

Felix is on a mission: steal a priceless artifact from the most dangerous wolves in the land. The reward? Freedom at last from the criminal syndicate that raised him and other orphaned omegas. When he stops to save a man in peril, the guards close in. Getting captured wasn't part of the plan. Neither was meeting the intimidatingly sexy Pack Alpha. Soon, he finds himself questioning if he really wants to leave...

As the Alpha of Nox Bay, Markus is bound by duty to protect his land and his people. So when a thieving fox appears in their territory, it's his job to punish him. Except...this fox is different than the others. He smells suspiciously like Markus's fated mate. But can true love blossom between sworn enemies? 

When Felix's crime family come to reclaim their 'investment', both men must make a choice. A choice that will set both their futures in motion—and the future of the little one growing inside Felix.

Stealing His Heart is the first book in the Nox Bay Pack series. Readers should be advised for mentions of attempted assault and trafficking, but don't worry—you'll find mpreg elements, found family, low angst, no cheating, and always a happily ever after! Welcome to the pack <3

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Omegaverse, Paranormal, LGBT

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2019

About the author

Connor Crowe grew up reading stories about dragons, magic, and adventure. He often liked to imagine himself as a character in those stories, and as he grew older he began to write some of them down. He couldn't just write any old fantasy, though. As a die-hard romantic, he tells stories of men finding true love amidst adversity.

When you read a Connor Crowe book, you know you're getting action-packed fantasy mpreg that will make your heart race in more ways than one ;)

Reviews

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

I loved this book and the biggest reason that is true is Felix! Just WOW! I loved how the author did such an awesome job of putting us in Felix's head as we went through this book. I feel like the author did an exceptional job of fleshing out Felix, he felt very real and because of him I could not put this book down. This book is packed full of high intensity action and feels at times like you are riding a runaway train. IMHO this is one of the best of Connor's books and I cannot wait till book two comes out next week! What A Ride!!!!!

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Erica ♋️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so freaking much Markus and Felix are so perfect for each other they made my heart feel so warm. I can’t wait for the second book in the series ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

At 19% this book had me like



And then at 68% it had me like



And then I finished it and I was all



It's a hate read because I should've binned it as DNF but I didn't. Mercifully, it was short.

Some MINOR SPOILERS are involved, but let me tell you why I was making those faces:

19%:

But when the sad, battered omega lifted his head and met my eye with such a fierce, defiant gaze, that’s when I lost it completely.

This was no mere petty thief. When our eyes locked I saw within him, all the way down to the depths of his soul. I saw his past, his anger, his heartbreak. It was this ability to read people, after all, that had gained me Pack Alpha status in the first place.

And when I looked upon this omega, I knew without a doubt in my heart that he was my fated mate.

What.

The fact that the alpha werewolf can immediately see into people's souls is mentioned here for the first then, then referenced one other time, then never brought up again.

I mean, what a hackneyed plot device that demolishes any requirement to actually build a relationship.

Things didn't improve, but I made it to 68% (damn it, so close) when:

It didn’t make any sense at the time, just the chattering of an oxygen starved brain, but I’ll remember those words for the rest of my life:

Please let the baby be okay.

What.

They spent one night together, it's the next day, and now he's pregnant. I'm weary. I'm exhausted. I'm wondering how he instinctively knows he's conceived. And even if he has, it's not a baby. It's still pretty much a sperm cell and an...egg? You know, until this point I've never given serious thought to how mpreg works and I don't really think I want to. Point is, the day after you had sex there isn't a BABY in there for the love of god.

The redeeming quality about this novella was that it was only 100 or so pages. There was no character development, hardly any world building, limpid drama, and serviceable writing. I could see what it was trying to do, but in too short of a space and with clumsy execution.

[♡❀✦☞ Sammy ☜✦❀♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars!

[Brievon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author needed to think more about word choice, instead of just throwing in every cliche he's ever heard. I had to give the book up at 25% because I couldn't get past the ridiculous and inaccurate word choices. I was put off almost immediately by a professional thief calling a job a "caper". Although the word choice is technically accurate, there is a cheesy connotation to the word that makes Felix sound less than professional. I was again put off when Felix said "I worked for what I had, tooth a nail." Don't you mean fought tooth and nail? Then, Markus calling Felix his sworn enemy purely on the basis of Felix trying to steal from Markus was over the top. Maybe if Markus knew who Felix's family was, or if he had had problems with Felix before, or knew Felix's reputation or knew ANYTHING about him. But your first run in with a complete stranger who you know absolutely nothing about, does not make him your sworn enemy. Finally, I am so over the usage of "Where did that come from?" in romance novels when characters are surprised that they are in love. But it's even worse when it makes no sense. Markus immediately recognizes Felix as his mate, so his wondering where is protective instincts come from was absurd. And I'm done. Time to read something that isn't so laughably melodramatic.

[Wax · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started strong but then fizzled. I liked the idea of a thief trying to steal something and meeting his mate instead. However, the story took all sorts of leaps that weren't explained well, and there was almost no background given to explain why certain things happened. I'm not invested enough to continue.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2020)! 🎁

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25 stars

Nice introduction to this author. I enjoyed the characters and I'm looking forward to the other characters in the series.

[Jesslan Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stealing His Heart
By Connor Crowe

Loved both Felix and Markus. A very sweet story.

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5

A fast-paced, fated-mates story, with action and adventure!

I really enjoyed this story! First I’ve read by Connor and definitely not the last!! Action packed and a somewhat thrilling story, with the thief, Felix’s good morals getting in the way of his job stealing from the Nox Bay Pack. Felix is captured and brought before the pack alpha, who happens to be his fated-mate! I loved the back and forth between Felix and Markus. Felix has so much spunk and sass, he was a great character to read! I loved the edge of your seat adventure and it was so well done for such a short read. This entire shifter world is laid​ out and explored in such a short time while creating intrigue and setting the scene for other stories and characters to be discovered.

A great fated-mated, mpreg read!! Loved it and am looking forward to the next one!!

Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of fox shifter Felix who belongs to a group of omegas that were raised to be thieves. Felix is trying to steal an artifact from the wolves. When Felix gets caught, he is brought to Marcus, the alpha of the wolf pack. Marcus is hit with the realization Felix is his fated mate, but knows he has to punish Felix for stealing. Felix is locked into a room and told he will serve the pack until the debt is paid. Felix wants to escape and when he finds a way out, he runs. Marcus knows Felix ran and hunts him down, but the feral wolves have found him. Marcus fights for his mate and Felix decides he wants to return with Marcus. When Felix's group of thieves attack looking for Felix and the artifact, the wolves fight back, but Felix is captured. i liked this story. I liked Marcus and Felix together. I think Marcus was a little scared to tell his pack Felix was his mate, but i thought an alpha wouldn't be scared of anything in his pack. That was the only thing i didn't like about this book. I look forward to reading more.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up because Felix is awesome.

I'm all for insta-love between fated mates and virtual insta-pregnancy in mpreg stories. None of that bothers me in the least. What I do hope for, though, is that there's some kind of connection, some kind of personal education between the characters to build on that shifter-mating-fate thing that gets them together in the first place. Felix is pretty fantastic, I will say. He's honorable, vulnerable, immensely strong inside, crafty, loyal, caring...he's just all kinds of great. As for his mate? Well, I honestly know almost nothing about him. We get a lot of superficial information as to who he is and what his responsibilities are, but any more than that and how much he admires and yearns for Felix and we've got pretty much nothing. I'm really hoping that as the series continues we'll get more about him, even on the periphery of the other characters' stories.

[Xanthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good shifter story with an interesting plot line. I'm always a sucker for a rated mates take so that's a bit plus for me too! I love that we have two different types of men and shifter come together, alphas wolf and omega fox, one leading his pack and the other a thief recruited by a secret organisation though both treated well by them.
Though the story is story, there's a fair amount packed into it. Along with the possible relationship there's a bit of action, secrecy, drama and bravery from both men, each trying to protect the other.
I'm interested in reading the next book after we've been introduced to the possible future couple and they'd make for interesting reading, especially with what one has just been through.
Recommend giving this shifter story a go. Connor writes enjoyable stories with engaging plots and lovable characters.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast but unexplored

This felt a bit rushed which was too bad because it took away from letting this world come to life, when there is definitely a lot of world to show. From secret organizations to brutal shifter packs to powerful protected artifacts there were so many fascinating things that were simply mentioned but not explored. However the quick story came with a rapid pace of action that kept a sort of breathless interest. Wondering if Felix and Markus would have a chance was first and foremost. But there was also the concerns about danger from ferals and the Black Hand. It all barrelled forward with a constant action laden pace that made it hard to put down. Hopefully the next book will continue on the story in such a way to tell more of the world and more about this sweet couple as well as the next couple, and this could shape up nicely.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting start to a new series and I love the storyline but I had a difficult time adjusting to the writing style and I could not connect to the characters until later in the book. Markus and Felix's relationship develops so quickly and under such extreme circumstances that everything feels rushed and I wish there was more interaction and chemistry between them. The lack of world building and background information about both of them made it harder for me to enjoy the story as well. I like how much action there is and how the conflict is resolved in the end. Some of the secondary characters are intriguing and I look forward to reading their stories as this series continues.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this entertaining, suspenseful MM shifter romance. It is a splendid start to the new series & I look forward to the next book in this series. The plot is interesting & well-written with some unexpected events. The unique characters have attributes of loyalty & determination when faced with certain situations & there is some good support from the secondary characters.
There is: a crafty thief & omega fox shifter (the Crimson Fox aka Felix), the alpha of the Nox Bay wolf pack (Marcus), a crime syndicate (the Black Hand), twist & turns, intrigue, suspense, action, adventure, magic, manipulations, attractions, danger, enemies, threats, violence, conflict, fated mates, Mpreg, blackmail, a rescue, happiness, contentment, love & some steam.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐶Action-packed MM shifter story with lightning speed romance🐺
March 1, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
🐾I liked the action and conflict in this shifter story and really grew fond of Felix, the thief fox shifter. He had a great backstory and emotional range. Plus, he's brave and self-sacrificing. The book was too brief for me to get comfortable with Alpha wolf shifter Marcus's use of sappy terms of endearment like "dear ❤heart" with someone he's barely known for a day or two. Overall a solid plot but the relationship part was a bit rushed, especially toward the end.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Georgiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Felix, The Crimson Fox, was on a mission to retrieve the Eye of the Ocean gem from the Nox Bay wolf pack. Not only is this a shifter story but there is light magic involved which I loved. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for Felix he is captured while helping an omega and is taken to Markus the head Alpha.

I really enjoyed that we got both points of views for Felix and Markus. There isn’t much back story for either character, well, a little on Felix with his old pack the Black Hands. It was an enjoyable quick read. The only thing I really didn’t like was that the author labeled each chapter giving away what was going to happen, taking away the mystery.

[caroline wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fox and wolf💜

I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
I liked this book especially Felix who was a feisty omega fox and a theif to boot. His set up reminder me a bit of Fagan and his gang of thieves in Oliver which I liked. The start of this book hooked me into the story and I thought this is going to be brilliant but I felt the middle to ending was a little rushed and I would of loved a bit more detailing but saying that I still enjoyed the story.
I. Looking forward to the next to see the carry on even if it's a background story to another potential couple. Love the cover and the title headings symbolise who was talking. So cute💜

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool redemption romance.

Felix was "raised" by a criminal organization to be a thief and spy like numerous other orphaned omegas. This group, the Black Hands, is greedy, uncompromising, power hungry and blood thirsty. Felix is sent to get an artifact from the Nox Bay pack, who also have a reputation of being violent, and is caught. He makes an impression on the Alpha and finds himself not dead. Felix has a second chance at a life that is not full of stealing and abuse. Marcus is the strong Alpha that chooses Felix after he's caught stealing from the pact. He knows there is more to his mate and will find out just how much at the battle with the Black Hands.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shifter MM Romance

3 stars!

This was an interesting start to a new series. I liked that their was a story beyond the Romance but everytime something new is introduced instead of elaborating and explaining the significance the author explains it away with secrets and mystery. At one point the MC says that no one has lived to tell about what happens on pack lands but then imagines in his head a map of pack lands. All the while I'm confused because if no one has survived how is there a map?!? It is just small things like this that made the book ok and not great.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stealing His Heart by Connor Crowe is the first book in The Nox Bay Pack series. Felix and Markus are great characters and their story is entertaining. I like the "enemies" to lovers aspect, the Alpha of a pack fated to a criminal. Their chemistry hot and their connection sweet. I cant wait to see what the rest of the series brings us.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome start to kick off this series. What not to fall in love with a little twist of a thief and Alpha. There is a wonderful twist in the story with the elements. Cant wait to see what happens next in the Nox Bay, will the Crimson Fox keep all on there paws? Will Arric get to be put on the hot seat now will all of the rescue from Black Hands. Highly recommend this series and wait for book 2

[Shannon Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

What a great story! I loved Felix - he’s a little shit! He’s a crafty little omega and Alpha Markus has met his match! It was well written, an interesting story line and I can’t wait for the next one. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough. I do think some of the scenes could have been extended or developed more but the fact that it’s not doesn’t detract from the story.

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, great storyline with wonderful characters that leaves me wanting more from this series, Felix, an omega, and Markus, an alpha, definitely get off on the wrong foot but they are fated mates. Felix may be a thief but there is so much more to him and I'm so glad that Markus could see that. They truly make a great pair and work well together. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Soryn W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

Felix is giving a bad start in life but when he gets caught by his fated mates pack it’s the best thing that could ever happen to him.
This book was down right sweet. It had its moments of tugging at the heart strings but mostly the love was clear between the mates. The fight scenes were awesome. I only wish to know more about Felix untold power and what happened with the eye of the ocean.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers

Really great quick read.
Fix is a sassy, fiesty omega who's lived a horrific life.
Abused, brainwashed and led to believe he's only good for one purpose.
Markus is the strong Alpha who has no idea what he's in for when they meet under less than auspicious circumstances.
They had sizzling chemistry as well.
There were magical artifacts, drama, conflict, plot twists, intrigue and plenty of fast paced action and adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Ken Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series start

A 90-minute read done well. Good characters filled in, interesting plot, set the stage well. Only complaint is it took forever to understand that the enemy camp were shifters.

As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.